Holidays are a good time to reflect. Sometimes it’s because of the holiday itself, but often it’s simply because they stick in our heads. Last year at this time I was…. It’s easy to remember.
Yesterday was Thanksgiving and it made me think about some recent Thanksgivings I’ve had. Some were a real struggle health-wise. Some were tough emotionally. A few were both. And then there was last year.
Last year I was recovering from surgery. I remember being super careful with my poor foot in a cast, making sure no one accidentally tripped over it. And if you’d asked me then where I’d be this year, I’m not quite sure what I’d have said. But I wouldn’t have guessed where I’m actually at.
I’m still recovering from that surgery. I thought I’d be long healed by now, but I still have some pain. I saw the doctor today and it looks like I’m still healing properly, just very slowly. Oh well.
I’m getting ready to move! I thought that by now I’d have received my Section 8 voucher and I’d be moving into a crappy place in a not-so-desirable area. I wasn’t sure when it would happen, but they’d led me to believe it would be soon. Instead, I still haven’t received the voucher (they’re still saying it will be “soon” but I no longer believe them), and I’m moving into a kick-ass apartment! Last Thanksgiving I was still months away from discovering the affordable housing programs that would let me live in a really nice place for less rent than I’m paying now. And when I do finally get that voucher, it should apply to my new apartment – yay!
Tomorrow I’m participating in a craft fair for the first time. Last Thanksgiving I had only recently learned that I could sell my kinds of crafts in the fall and winter. I was so excited! Because summer is no time to sell hats and scarves, and because I feel shitty all summer long, too. But fall and winter are perfect! Plus, I’ll get the Christmas shoppers coming by my booth. Last year I thought about participating, but I felt that I couldn’t manage a really long day (9am-3pm!) at a craft fair. I’m still not so sure that it’s a good idea, but this year I feel well enough to try!
Last year I’d seen some improvement to my health but I had plateaued. Now I still feel like I’ve plateaued, but I’m doing better than I was last year. So even though the changes were small, they definitely happened!
Last Thanksgiving I was just starting to create a business. Now I’m still working on the same business but I have a slightly different business plan. I’ve come farther than I’d have expected with it, even though it’s not bringing in any money yet. But I have confidence that it will!
Over the last year I unexpectedly saw an old friendship end and I surprisingly saw a couple of newer ones blossom.
Last year I was incredibly single. This year I still am. Ok, some things don’t change much.
All of this makes me wonder about next year. What will I be doing by next Thanksgiving? How will I be feeling? I can’t wait to find out!
Do you ever look back on where you were a year ago? How are you feeling about it?
Chronic Rants 
Glad your foot is slowly getting there. It does take a long time for us chronic people to heal. When I broke my foot I thought the bone would never knit. Good luck with your craft fair and hope you have a fun day.
I am in a much better place than a year ago, I have worked on trying to maintain a levelish place rather than being in bed versus being up. I have found my limits and have exercises to help strengthen and lengthen me. I have joined an exercise group for people with joint problems so go out once at least every week.
Hugs xx
Thanks Lorna. And that’s so great that you’ve found a way to be on a more even level. An exercise group for people with joint problems sounds awesome! I was briefly in something like that, but sadly it was discontinued. I’ve been leveling things out over the years. I’m not there yet, but I’m definitely getting closer 🙂
I really was never in any physical pain, but a year ago I was diagnosed with bilateral testicular cancer and had to have both testicles removed. The operation (castration, to call it what it is) and radiation treatments were painless, so I really cannot claim to understand chronic pain. However, it has taken a year to get HRT properly funded and prescribed. After a year, my muscle mass, energy levels, and libido (and consequent physical expression) are returning. So, and pardon the pun, a year later, things are on the rise.
All the best for your future and your health.
Derisoire, I am so sorry to hear that you had to go through all of that. I appreciate that you can laugh about it a bit (I love the pun!) It’s good to hear you did have pain, but radiation, fatigue, lowered libido, and the rest are definitely difficult to deal with. I hope the rest of your recovery goes well!